Neves, Ronaldo, Benzema: 15 players Newcastle could target from other PIF-owned clubs

Premier League team free to sign players on loan from clubs under the same ownership

AL AHSAA, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 3: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal victory celebrates after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Fateh and Al-Hilal at Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on November 3, 2023 in Al Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images)

Otavio (Al Nassr) - The 28-year-old has transferred the playmaking skills that saw him pick up medals galore at Porto to Nassr and shown why he was so sought-after. Silky skills in abundance. Getty

Fabinho (Al Ittihad) - A tough-as-teak midfielder more than capable of facing up to the physical demands of the Premier League. Moved to the Saudi Pro League from Liverpool last summer but his tactical nous and no-nonsense approach would appear a good fit for Eddie Howe's Newcastle. Getty

Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) - The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was the Saudi Pro League's marquee signing in an unprecedented summer transfer window. Hampered by injuries, the 35-year-old French striker still has managed eight league goals but Ittihad currently languish in fifth place in the table. Should a move suit all parties, Benzema could prove an excellent addition to the Magpies attack. Getty

Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) - The Senegalese winger endured a torrid time at Bayern Munich but has looked like the player of old since switching to Nassr. A Premier League and Champions League winner during his time at Liverpool, Mane, 31, would complement Newcastle's array of attacking wide players. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) - When he left Manchester United under a cloud in December 2022, it seemed likely the Premier League had seen the last of the Portuguese superstar. That could all change in January, though, if Newcastle decide to bolster their attacking ranks, with Callum Wilson prone to injury and Alexander Isak far from prolific. Ronaldo, 38, has started the season on fire at Nassr, with 13 goals in 12 league games. AFP

Neymar (Al Hilal) - Another player perpetually in the treatment room. The Brazilian has failed to set the Saudi Pro League alight thus far as he continues to battle ankle and knee injuries. But on his day, the 31-year-old practices the kind of entertaining football Newcastle fans so admire. Getty

Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal) - Newcastle's injury list is by no means confined to midfield. Fabian Schar is battling a hamstring problem while fellow centre-back Sven Botman is almost two months out with a knee injury. Koulibaly failed to make an impact during his one season at Chelsea but few doubt he is capable of making the necessary adjustments to thrive at a top European club. Getty

Malcom (Al Hilal) - One of the Saudi Pro League's most exciting players and a big reason behind Hilal's surge to the top of the table. The Brazilian, 26, has pace to burn and would prove a handful for any Premier League defence. Getty

Marcelo Brozovic (Al Nassr) - The unsung hero of Inter Milan's 2021 title win in Serie A. The Croatian is more than just a nuts-and-bolts midfielder and would offer steel and leadership to Newcastle's engine room. AFP

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal) - Long courted by Manchester United, the Serb playmaker surprised many by ending an eight-year spell with Lazio to join the Saudi Pro League revolution last summer. Possesses the artistry and vision to create opportunities for those around him. Getty

Allan Saint-Maximin (Al Ahli) - They know him, he knows them. Saint-Maximin swapped St James' Park for Saudi Arabia in the summer, but the French winger was a fan favourite with the Geordie faithful and a short-term move back to Tyneside could suit all parties. Getty

Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal) - Recently anointed Asia's best player, the Saudi Arabian winger has a knack for match-defining moments and Hilal would be loath to lose him as they pursue domestic and continental glory. AFP

N'Golo Kante (Al Ittihad) - Newcastle midfielders Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy have been forced to play through the pain barrier of late with manager Eddie Howe short of options in midfield. Kante, a Premier League title winner with both Leicester City and Chelsea, has been plagued by injuries the past few years but could provide experienced cover as Newcastle pursue their ambitions for 2023/24. AFP

Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq) - Admittedly a long shot, but the Sunderland-born England midfielder could be a useful signing for the arduous run-in as Newcastle chase a top-four Premier League finish. Getty

Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi Arabian owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs.

Thirteen Premier League clubs voted in favour of the temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership at a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday – one vote short of the number needed for it to be introduced.

The vote means that Newcastle, who in October 2021 were acquired by a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be permitted to loan players from other clubs also owned by the fund.

PIF owns majority stakes in the Saudi Pro League's "big four" clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.

With Sandro Tonali banned for the rest of the season after breaching betting rules, a midfielder replacement seems the most obvious target for Magpies manager Eddie Howe.

But, with Newcastle still challenging for top-four place in the Premier League and progress in the Champions League, others could well come on the radar.

To see a list of potential players Newcastle may target in the transfer window, check out the photo gallery above.